Leopard Gecko Health
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Loss of appetite in leopard geckos may be attributed to various factors. These may include:
- The time of year: geckos generally eat less in the colder months, providing the gecko still has good fat reserves in the tail, and isn't losing weight rapidly, there shouldn't be cause for concern.
- Gravid females: females that are carrying eggs may stop eating for a short period (usually about a week) before laying.
- Impaction: see the Impaction section.
- Parasites: see the Parasites section.
- Bullying: see the Bullying section.
Shedding problems are usually caused by the lack of humidity from a moist hide. If the conditions are too dry, geckos will have particular problems shedding the skin on their toes and around their face. If left, it may progress to a number of problems such as loss of toes and infections. To remove unshed skin from the toes: use a tub large enough for the gecko to comfortably stand in for ten to fifteen minutes, fill just enough of the tub, to cover the geckos toes, with warm water. After ten minutes, very gently rub the unshed skin with a cotton bud. Do not force the skin as this will make it sore and may lead to infections, if the skin doesn't come loose after ten minutes leave for another five to ten minutes and try using the cotton bud again.
There are two types of parasite, (usually) visible parasites on the outside body of the gecko, and internal parasites which are not visible to the human eye. Parasites thrive on dirt and faeces, therefore the geckos enclosure should be spot checked every day for uneaten crickets, faeces and uneaten shed skin, which should be removed immediately, and water bowls should be cleaned out at least every two days. See the cleaning section for more information. Geckos with parasites may show signs such as loss of appetite and lack of energy. If in doubt, visit a reptile vet as soon as possible with a most recent sample of faeces, so that tests can be done to establish the cause of the illness. Parasites, if caught in time are easily treatable, but are very easily spread to other geckos. If you suspect your gecko has parasites, especially if they are housed with more geckos, remove them from the enclosure immediately and put them into quarantine. It is also advisable that if housed with other geckos, that they are also quarantined and tested for parasites before being introduced back into the enclosure, which should be very thoroughly cleaned, including decorations, and fresh substrate provided.
It is not always apparent at first that a gecko may be being bullied. You may not see the bullying, as geckos are nocturnal, it is more likely to occur at night. MALES should NEVER be housed together as bullying is inevitable, although a male can be housed with many females, but be extra vigilant around breeding season as the male often becomes aggressive and very dominant which may result in bullying of the females. If housing geckos together, plenty of hides should be included in the enclosure so the geckos are able to retreat and feel safe. At least one or two hides per gecko is an absolute minimum. Signs of bullying may include:
- Loss of appetite or fear to eat
- Bite marks, which appear most commonly on the tail and head, which may range from looking severe to appearing like scuffed, dry skin
- Tail Loss
- Lack of energy
- Hiding more than usual
- Fearful of movement
If housing a pair, and they both show signs of bullying, the only way to resolve the problem would be to house them separately, or in the case of more than two geckos housed together, observations may point out who's doing the bullying and then the particular gecko can be singled out and re-housed individually, avoiding re-housing the whole group
Leopard geckos have the ability to 'drop' their tail for the purpose of defence, which is known as autotomy, HOWEVER, this does not mean that geckos should be picked up or pulled by the tail. When a tail has been lost, extra care should be taken to keep the wound clean until it heals. The gecko should be quarantined whether in with other geckos or on its own. The gecko should be kept on clean kitchen roll until the wound has healed, so that no sand or dirt can get into it, and an antibacterial cleaner such as 'Tamodine' should be used. The tail will regenerate , but will very rarely look the same as before the tail was dropped. Geckos will live a perfectly normal life with a regenerated tail.
This is as a result of calcium deficiency. Some signs of Metabolic bone disease include:
- Problems eating due to disease in the jaws
- Problems standing shown in the feet and limbs which may be limp, weak or clearly out of shape.
Treatment of Metabolic bone disease is possible, providing that the the situation is not left to deteriorate, and the gecko is seen by a veterinary surgeon urgently. Read more in the General section under Vitamin and calcium supplements to help prevent Metabolic Bone Disease.
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Please note that all information represents our own views and
experiences, and those of other experienced breeders and hobbyists who we have worked closely alongside. Winston's Web
therefore holds no responsibility. If in doubt, ask a qualified
herpetological veterinary surgeon.
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